Milestone for Luncheon of Hope in Sudbury

The 25th anniversary of the Luncheon of Hope at the Caruso Club on Tuesday had a special guest.

Jeanne Beker -- journalist, media personality, fashion entrepreneur and breast cancer survivor -- shared her journey and urged women to be proactive about their breast health.

“Almost half of women have dense breasts,” Beker said.

“Once you have your mammogram, you will be told your breast density … If it’s a C or a D density, it’s not enough to just get a mammogram. You have to also get either an ultrasound or preferably an MRI if you can.”

The crowd also heard from an oncologist about research being done in Sudbury.

“It’s not just quantity of life it’s also quality of life that’s improving,” said Dr. Julie Bowen, a radiation oncologist.

For example, she said trials are working on reducing the length and number of radiation treatments.

“So, shorter treatment times and, in fact, even completely eliminating radiation in some good prognosis women,” Bowen said.

The Luncheon of Hope is one of the biggest annual fundraisers for the Northern Cancer Foundation, with funds raised staying local.

“Twenty five years of offering hope to so many women who have struggled with this terrible disease over the last many years,” said Anthony Keating, president of HSN Foundations.

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“So this is an incredible milestone for everybody in northeastern Ontario.”

Officials with the foundation said in the past 25 years, Luncheon Of Hope has raised more than $1 million to buy specialized breast cancer equipment, improve patient care and fund crucial research.